Is a Basketball Dribble Simple Harmonic Motion?

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulty in determining if an object is undergoing simple harmonic motion. The criteria for this type of motion is for the position and velocity to follow a sin curve, but the conversation raises questions on how to determine this. It is mentioned that if the velocity of an object goes to zero when it changes direction, it could be considered simple harmonic. Additionally, the concept of force being directly proportional to displacement in the opposite direction is also discussed. The example of a basketball bouncing is used to explain why this motion is not considered simple harmonic.
  • #1
Lalasushi
11
0
hey guys I am having trouble figuring out if something is undergoing simple harmonic motion. i know that for an object to be executing simple harmonic motion, its position and velocity must follow a sin curve...but I am still having trouble. ok for example, a question on a worksheet said "a basketball player dribbles a ball with a steady period of T seconds. is the motion simple harmonic?" the answer was no. but i don't understand. how do u tell if its postiion and velocity follows a sin curve? can anyone explain to me?
 
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  • #2
When the particle is changing direction, does its velocity go to zero? If so, you're looking at something that could be simple harmonic.
 
  • #3
If the force on an object is directly propotional to the displacement of an object, but in a direction which is opposite to the displacement, then the object will undergo Simple Harmonic motion.
ie,
F=-kx
Now, can you see why the basketball bouncing is not Simple Harmonic motion?
 

FAQ: Is a Basketball Dribble Simple Harmonic Motion?

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object oscillates back and forth between two points with a constant period and amplitude. It is caused by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium point.

What causes simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is caused by a restoring force, which is a force that pulls or pushes an object back towards its equilibrium position when it is displaced from that position. This force is usually proportional to the displacement and acts in the opposite direction of the displacement.

How is simple harmonic motion different from other types of motion?

Simple harmonic motion is different from other types of motion because it follows a specific pattern of oscillation with a constant period and amplitude. Other types of motion, such as linear or circular motion, do not follow this specific pattern.

What are some real-life examples of simple harmonic motion?

Some examples of simple harmonic motion in everyday life include the swinging of a pendulum, the vibration of a guitar string, and the motion of a mass on a spring. These systems all exhibit a restoring force that causes them to oscillate back and forth with a constant period and amplitude.

What factors affect the period and amplitude of simple harmonic motion?

The period and amplitude of simple harmonic motion can be affected by factors such as the mass of the object, the stiffness of the restoring force, and the initial displacement of the object. The period also depends on the length of the pendulum or the spring constant of the spring, while the amplitude is affected by the initial velocity of the object.

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